Deuteronomy 31:6 – Meaning & Devotional
"Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee."
What This Verse Means
Moses' farewell charge to Israel combines a command (be strong) with a promise (God goes with you). Courage is not the absence of fear but confidence in God's unfailing presence.
The double negative — 'not fail' and 'nor forsake' — creates an emphatic guarantee. God will neither let you down nor leave you behind. His companionship is permanent and reliable.
Historical Context
Moses spoke these words as he prepared to hand leadership to Joshua. Israel was about to enter the Promised Land and face fortified cities and powerful enemies. The courage they needed was rooted in God's presence, not their military strength.
How to Apply This Today
When facing new challenges that feel beyond your ability, take courage from God's promise to go with you. He will not fail you. He will not forsake you. Move forward in His strength.
Related Verses
Joshua 1:9
"Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed."
Hebrews 13:5
"I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee."
🙏 A Prayer from Deuteronomy 31:6
Lord, I choose strength and courage because You go with me. You will never fail me or forsake me. I step forward in Your unfailing presence. Amen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Bible Questions
Common questions people ask about this passage — answered with KJV scripture.
What Does the Bible Say About Courage?
The Bible commands courage rooted not in self-confidence but in God's presence — 'Be strong and of a good courage' because the Lord goes with you.
Read answerDoes the Bible Say You Must Go to Church?
Hebrews 10:25 instructs believers not to forsake assembling together, indicating that regular gathering with other believers is expected.
Read answerHave I Committed the Unforgivable Sin?
If you are worried about having committed the unforgivable sin, that concern itself is strong evidence that you have not — the truly hardened have no desire for God.
Read answerWhat Does the Bible Say About Courage?
The Bible repeatedly commands 'Be strong and of good courage'—true courage comes not from self-confidence but from trusting in God's presence and promises.
Read answerDeep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
2 Timothy 1:7 — Meaning & Devotional
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Psalm 27:1 — Meaning & Devotional
Fearlessness
Joshua 1:9 — Meaning & Devotional
Courage
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More Devotionals on Courage
2 Timothy 1:7
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
Joshua 1:9
Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.
Joshua 1:9
Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.
Psalm 27:1
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
More Verse Devotionals on Courage
Explore more KJV verse meanings, contexts, and applications.
- 1 Corinthians 16:13 — Courage
- Deuteronomy 31:8 — Courage
- Joshua 1:9 — Courage
- Joshua 1:9 — Courage
- 2 Timothy 1:7 — Courage
- Joshua 1:9 — Courage
- Joshua 1:9 — Courage
- Psalm 27:1 — Courage
- Psalm 27:1 — Courage
- 2 Timothy 1:7 — Courage
- 2 Timothy 1:7 — Courage
- Psalm 27:1 — Courage
- Romans 8:31 — Courage
- 2 Timothy 1:7 — Courage
- Daniel 3:17-18 — Courage
- Daniel 3:17-18 — Courage
- 2 Timothy 1:7 — Courage
- Daniel 3:17-18 — Courage
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